Shop UV-Blocker Sun Umbrellas
For Reliable UV Protection

UV-Blocker umbrellas block 99% of UV rays, so you can count on them whenever you are outside. Choose beach shade, a durable umbrella for the golf course or a compact model for daily use; there is an option for each.

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Canada's UV Season: When a Sun Umbrella Helps Most

From spring to early fall, the sun in Canada can be stronger than many people expect. Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada note that the UV Index can reach 3 or higher from April to September, typically from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and that this can happen even when it is cloudy. At that level they advise seeking shade, and a UV umbrella counts as shade you can carry with you.

Planning around Canada's UV season:

• Check the forecast: Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes the UV Index forecast, so you can see ahead of time when levels are expected to reach 3 or higher and plan your shade.
• Plan for midday: UV is most likely to reach 3 or higher between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. That is the window to open your umbrella for lunchtime walks, patio visits and kids' games.
• Layer your protection: Health Canada recommends seeking shade and using SPF 30+ sunscreen. A UPF 50+ umbrella takes care of the shade, while sunscreen covers skin exposed to UV reflected off water, sand and pavement.

From spring to early fall, a UV-Blocker umbrella gives you shade with a patented Solarteck® reflective coating that blocks 99% of UV rays and keeps you up to 8°C (15°F) cooler. For the rest of the year it works as a rain umbrella, so it stays useful in every season. It is also the only umbrella of its kind approved by the Melanoma International Foundation.

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UV and Sun Safety Across Canada

UV exposure in Canada is more significant than many people expect. In summer, the UV Index regularly reaches 8–10 or higher in cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada advise sun protection when the index is 3 or higher, a level it can reach from April to September, typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., even on cloudy days.

Where Canadians can find UV information and advice:

• ECCC UV Index forecast: Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes the daily UV Index forecast on its weather portal (weather.gc.ca), where you can check levels for your city and get alerts when protection is recommended.
• Canadian Cancer Society: Its sun safety guidance points to UPF 50+ clothing, hats, sunscreen and seeking shade as the main ways to protect your skin, with physical UV barriers such as UPF 50+ umbrellas emphasized for long periods outdoors.
• Canadian Dermatology Association: Backs a broad-spectrum approach to sun safety that includes shade structures and UV-blocking accessories. This matters most if you have fair skin, or if you or a family member has had skin cancer.

If you spend long hours outside for work, sport or recreation, a UPF 50+ UV umbrella gives you continuous protection with nothing to reapply. Independently tested and approved by the Melanoma International Foundation, the UV-Blocker umbrella blocks 99% of UV rays and keeps you up to 8°C (15°F) cooler. It covers the strong-UV months from spring to early fall, then works as a rain umbrella for the rest of the year.

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Frequently Asked Questions About UV Umbrellas

What does a UPF 50+ rating tell you about an umbrella?

With a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+, a fabric blocks a minimum of 98% of UV radiation, so a UPF 50+ umbrella lets through just 1/50th of the UV rays you'd receive unprotected. UV-Blocker umbrellas are independently certified to block 99% of UVA and 100% of UVB, and hold the Melanoma International Foundation's approval, among the highest certifications in the industry.

What sets a UV-blocking umbrella apart from a regular rain umbrella?

A regular umbrella is made of polyester or nylon without any UV-blocking treatment, giving just 40–60% UV protection. UV-Blocker umbrellas use specialized fabric with a Solarteck® silver reflective coating that reflects UV rays instead of absorbing them, which also keeps you up to 8°C (15°F) cooler than standing in direct sun, a striking difference on hot days. And when it rains, they work as rain umbrellas too.

Will a UV-blocking umbrella protect every skin type?

Yes. Because it's a physical barrier, a UV-blocking umbrella protects you regardless of skin type, medications or skin conditions. It's particularly recommended for anyone on photosensitizing medications, cancer patients going through radiation therapy, people living with lupus or vitiligo, and anyone who wants reliable sun protection without depending on topical products.

Is a UV umbrella a complete substitute for sunscreen?

No. Umbrellas are very effective against direct overhead UV, but UV also reflects from surfaces around you, like water, sand, pavement and snow, so sunscreen still has a role. For maximum protection, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin and use a UPF 50+ umbrella for overhead shade. Used together, they reduce total UV exposure by 95–99%.

How should I clean and store my UV-blocking umbrella to keep it protective?

Give it a rinse in fresh water after the beach or exposure to salt air, and let it air dry before closing it, since storing it wet leads to mildew. Keep it out of extreme heat (a car trunk in summer, for example), which can damage fabric coatings. UV-Blocker umbrellas hold their UPF 50+ rating through years of normal use, because the silver reflective coating is part of the fabric, not a surface treatment that can wash off.

An Expert's Guide to Picking and Using a UV Umbrella

• Independent testing matters, so check for third-party UPF certification over manufacturer claims
• Pick a diameter for your typical use: 102 cm (40 in) covers one person, 152 cm (60 in) or more covers two adults
• For beach days and outdoor sports, pay attention to wind resistance and look for an umbrella rated for winds of 48 km/h (30 mph) or more
• Mount it on a magnetic or clamp base to keep your UV umbrella hands-free at a fixed workstation, on the patio or along a sports sideline
• Make sure the silver side of your UV-Blocker umbrella faces upward to maximize how much UV is reflected away from you
• In high-UV conditions, combine it with UPF 50+ clothing and SPF 50 sunscreen for complete protection